Dear all

Please find below the bibliography for August 2000.  Apologies for the delay
- the September issue will be produced more promptly.

Louise

Science and public bibliography: August 2000

A monthly round-up of books, reports and articles collated by the Wellcome
Library's Information Service. <http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/infoserv> Where
freely available, Web links have been provided to the full text document.
All the below references are publicly available, for reference, in the
Information Service, http://www.wellcome.ac.uk/infoserv ,or from the British
Library's Lending Division via public, academic or workplace libraries.

Books & Reports 


Strosberg, E.
Art and science.
Paris : UNESCO, 1999
Description:  Using examples from history: this book describes the links
between science and the visual arts, which show similar values, tools and
methods.

Ziman, J.
Real science: what it is, and what it means.
Cambridge ; New York : Cambridge University Press, 2000
Description:  The author analyses the methods that different branches of
science use to undertake and communicate their findings and opens the way
for reconciliation between the sciences.


Articles - Science & Public 

Biology and society moves up agenda
The European Science Foundation (ESF) has established an Expert Group to
provide advice on Biology and Society and will cover issues such as GM
foods, the use of animals in experiments and human stem cell research.  A
position paper on the use of animals in research is being prepared and the
group will next look at GM foods.
ESF Communications Vol.41 Summer 2000 p.5

Agrobiotechnology: Asia gets a taste of genetic food fights
The debate over genetically-modified (GM) crops has reached several Asian
countries, with possibly serious consequences for their use to feed growing
populations.  In India, trials of GM cotton were disrupted by demonstrators
fearing the introduction of terminator genes (later rescinded); in the
Philippines trials of GM corn were banned although a bill to ban all GM
crops has been stopped.  In Japan, strong consumer resistance, because
benefits are seen as accruing only to farmers, has hampered research.
Science Vol.289 25 August 2000 p.1279-81


Articles - Public Attitudes & Participation


Oversight of genetic testing
The Health and Human Services Secretary's Advisory Committee on Genetic
Testing (SACGT) has recently finished compiling its report after two years
of investigation and public consultation, and is recommending that the
government should provide additional oversight on all new genetic tests.
President Clinton has already barred the federal government from
discrimination based on genetic test results and a bill in Congress would
extend that rule to the private sector.
The Scientist 24 July 2000 p.24

Begin by listening
A survey on the public's attitude towards animal experimentation conducted
by MORI found that the public can be divided into three groups: those who
accept experimentation if certain conditions are met, those who accept it
under any conditions, and those who would not accept it under any
circumstances.  Generally, support for experimentation was greatest where
the research was for life-threatening diseases, but many felt distrust over
the rules and regulations governing the procedures.
Science and Public Affairs August 2000 p.12-14

To buy or not to buy
Dr Steve Miller, a reader in science communication at University College
London, reports on the government white paper on science and innovation,
"Excellence and Opportunity".  The paper aims to re-negotiate the contract
among science, government and society by involving the public in decisions
about research and new technology, through consultation and information, in
the hope of gaining their support.
Guardian 17 August 2000 p.14


Articles - Science Communication 


Seeds of hope
John Krebs, chairman of the British Food Standards Agency, talks on the way
forward in the GM debate for the international community:  He proposes an
international panel to "cut through the dogma and wooliness" that is
clouding the debate over GM crops and food.
New Scientist No.2250 5 August 2000 p.48-49

Talking science goes global
The British government, Unesco and the British Council aim to set up an
international science communication initiative to provide resources and
expertise to support science communication worldwide, particularly in
developing countries.  Evidence from a previous workshop shows that there is
no standard model for science communication and that any activity must be
founded in cultural and practical contexts at an individual level.
Science and Public Affairs August 2000 p.10-11

Talented two survive the acid test
An article announces the results of the Daily Telegraph/BASF Young Science
Writer awards.  Kate Ravilious won the 20-28 age group with an essay on the
diets of people in Roman times, whilst Lewis Brindley won the 16-19 age
group writing about Buteyko as a treatment for asthma.
Daily Telegraph 23 August 2000 p.14



Louise Simon
Information Officer
Wellcome Trust Library for the History and Understanding of Medicine
183 Euston Road
London
NW1 2BE
Tel: 0171-611-7316
e-mail: [log in to unmask]

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